TOBI: The wheels of fate begin to roll...

TOBI: More than just a Nigerian story

Today, TOBI has arrived. However, about four to five decades ago, the mere act of venturing into the movie production or other arms of the movie industry in Nigeria was sure to be greeted by a stern warning or a cold shoulder of pessimism.

The reason for this was not far fetched – actors, movie producers, directors, make-over artistes, DOPs, choreographers and other professionals in the movie world were not accorded the respect they deserved because majority viewed them as lighthearted, superficial and professionally flippant.

Actors and film makers were popular but their commercial value often drifted on the edge of financial recklessness and outright poverty.

Today, so much has happened and the same industry that was once relegated into the dustbin of mockery has today produced the likes of Ije, Unwanted Guest, Mirror Boy and now, TOBI; a Nigerian movie shot in the United States of America.

One spectacular element about all the movies mentioned about is the fact that while they are Nigerian movies; they were all shot outside the country; with a healthy blend of both Nigerian and foreign cast.

Like most movies shot with a blend of international cast, the quality and story of TOBI reminds one of the fact that the Nigerian movie industry has indeed come of age.

In a sharp contrast to what obtained in the past, the commercial stance of Nigerian movies have improved arithmetically.

The industry might not be on the same commercial pedestal with Hollywood and its money-spinning machinery but the future clearly looks bright enough to invest and believe in.

Today, movies like ‘The Grey’ and ‘Unknown’ can confidently gross $22, 741, 284 (well over N3 billion) and $27, 420, 282 respectively after day 5 at the Box office while the likes of ‘Ghost Protocol’ and ‘Mission Impossible II’ can gross $203, 047 and $204, 013, 487 after day 47 at the cinemas.

Like a work in progress that the Nigerian movie industry is, it holds such an avalanche of potentials and if well structured could go on to become one of the brightest points in the nation’s international badge.

On April 13, 2012, the drums would be rolled out in Lagos, Nigeria as TOBI makes a grand touch down and the producer of the movie and his team receives a hero’s welcome that they deserve.